Name: Date: Argumentative Essay: The Pigman 40 Points The Pigman Argumentative Essay Writing Prompt Task: You will write an argumentative essay focusing on the causes of Mr. Piganti s death in The Pigman. Content Requirements: a two- sentence introduction : the first sentence being a one- sentence summary of the novel that names the authors and title, and the second sentence being a one- sentence thesis statement 2 body paragraphs, each including one cited quotation a conclusion consisting of a one- sentence closing statement Note: While introductory paragraphs and concluding paragraphs typically consist of multiple sentences, our focus for this assignment is on the argumentative body paragraphs. Therefore, I have shortened the other paragraphs to encourage you to concentrate your energies on the body paragraphs. Format Requirements: Typed & double- spaced in size 12 Times New Roman font MLA header on upper left side of first page Centered title Indented paragraphs Avoid first and second point of view pronouns (you, I, we, etc.) Assessment: Total of 40 Points Final essay: 40 Points 1
Name / 40 The Pigman: Final Essay Rubric 1. Background Summary Sentence (3 pts) Contains title of novel (.5) correctly punctuated (.5) Contains novel s author (.5) correctly punctuated (.5) Summary sentence logical and clear (1) 2. Thesis Statement (3 pts) Answers prompt fully by mentioning Mr. Pignati s death (.5) & two contributing factors (.5) Two specific and distinct factors lay strong foundation for essay s body paragraphs (1) Sentence is logical and clear (1) *Challenge (+.5): Uses strong active verbs only: No be verbs 3. First body paragraph topic sentence (3 pts) Sentences feature transitions into paragraphs (1) Name main idea of paragraph, fully tied to correct thesis point (1) Sentence is logical and clear (1) *Challenge (+.5): Use active verbs (not is are has etc.) 4. First body paragraph s support (5 pts) Uses 1 selectively narrowed quote as evidence to support main idea (1) Sets up quotation w/ preview by providing context about what the quote will show (1) Transitions into quotation using strategy such as a signal verb, that, or colon (1) Quote cited properly (1) & Quote correctly punctuated (1) 5. First Paragraph s Analysis/Commentary/Application of Supports (Up to 3 pts, depending on student s depth) Attempts to explain how quotation supports main idea (1) Somewhat explains how quotations support main idea, but needs more elaboration (2) Successfully explains how quotation supports main idea (3) 6. Closing/Transition sentence (1 pt) Reviews prior support & previews upcoming support; is not a quote 7. Second body paragraph topic sentence (3 pts) Sentences feature transitions into paragraphs (1) Name main idea of paragraph, fully tied to correct thesis point (1) Sentence is logical and clear (1) *Challenge (+.5): Use active verbs (not is are has etc.) 8. Second body paragraph s support (5 pts) Uses 1 selectively narrowed quote as evidence to support main idea (1) Sets up quotation w/ preview by providing context about what the quote will show (1) Transitions into quotation using strategy such as a signal verb, that, or colon (1) Quote cited properly (1) & Quote correctly punctuated (1) 9. Second Paragraph s Analysis/Commentary/Application of Supports (Up to 3 pts, depending on student s depth) Attempts to explain how quotation supports main idea (1) Somewhat explains how quotations support main idea, but needs more elaboration (2) Successfully explains how quotation supports main idea (3) 10. Closing/Transition sentence (1 pt) Reviews prior support & previews upcoming support; is not a quote 11. Conventions: Aim for no grammar, mechanics, or spelling errors. (10 pts) Free of errors (10) Nearly free of errors (7) Consistent errors (3) Frequent, careless errors = 0 2
Name _ The Pigman Argumentative Essay Planning Sheet PLANNING STAGE 1: Directions: Use this chart to plan your ideas for the argumentative essay focusing on the causes of Mr. Pignati s death in The Pigman. Key word or phrase naming a contributing person/force/event Brief explanation of why that factor significantly contributed to Mr. Pignati s death Another explanation of why that factor significantly contributed to Mr. Pignati s death Example: John & Lorraine's selfishness Example: John s selfishness leads him to cause Mr. Pignati s death because... Example: Lorrain s selfishness leads her to cause Mr. Pignati s death because... Factor 1: First reason factor 1 is responsible Second reason factor 1 is responsible Factor 2: First reason factor 2 is responsible Second reason factor 2 is responsible PLANNING STAGE 2: Directions: Now, compose a thesis statement that previews the two factors you will discuss. EXAMPLE TEMPLATE: Even though numerous factors lead to Mr. Pignati s death, and most strongly contribute. 3
Name _ The Pigman Argumentative Essay Outline Sheet Directions: This outline must feature complete sentences. You must transition into all quotations and cite all quotations. You may type this or write on the sheet. 1. Introduction Paragraph a. Background summary sentence (name title & author, and briefly summarize the novel) b. Thesis (preview the 2 subtopics you will discuss- - try to use active verbs) 2. Body Paragraph #1 (REMEMBER: When you write your draft, you will transition into these quotations!) a. Topic sentence: *Rename first thesis subtopic* b. Supporting Quotation *Use strong verbs* ( ). c. Analysis/Explanation for Quotation d. Transition sentence (review/preview format) *Review the first thesis subtopic & preview the second thesis subtopic* 4
3. Body Paragraph #2 (REMEMBER: When you write your draft, you will transition into these quotations!) a. Topic sentence: *Rename first thesis subtopic* *Use strong verbs* b. Supporting Quotation ( ). c. Analysis/Explanation for Quotation d. Closing sentence (review ONLY) 4. Conclusion a. Recap Thesis (avoid using exact words) 5
Name _ The Pigman Guided Template [introductory paragraph template] In the novel _ by, (novel title underlined or italicized) (author s name) (complete a one-sentence summary of novel) Even though numerous factors lead to Mr. Pignati s death, and (factor 1) most strongly contribute to his demise. (factor 2) [first body paragraph template] The first factor contributing to Mr. Pignati s death is. (rename factor 1) For example, this is seen when _ (preview/context for quotation sandwich) The novel states, (quotation) _( ). (pg #) This factor,, contributes to Mr. Pignati s death because (rename factor 1 for emphasis) _ (explanation/analysis of evidence) _. Clearly, one major first factor contributing to Mr. Pignati s death is ; however, (review factor 1) is another factor. (preview factor 2) (template continued on next page) 6
[second body paragraph template] The second factor contributing to Mr. Pignati s death is _. (rename factor 2) For example, this is seen when _ (preview/context for quotation sandwich) The novel states, (quotation) _( ). (pg #) This factor,, contributes to Mr. Pignati s death because (rename factor 2 for emphasis) _ (explanation/analysis of evidence) _. Clearly, a second major first factor contributing to Mr. Pignati s death is. (review factor 2) [concluding paragraph template] In the novel The Pigman,. (restate thesis using different words than original) 7